bend 1 of 2

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as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal bent all of his efforts toward making his first documentary film

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in to curve
to turn away from a straight line or course the stream bends slightly to the east

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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bend

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noun

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bend
Verb
Trump's first appearance at NATO since returning to the White House was supposed to center on how the U.S. secured the historic military spending pledge from others in the alliance, effectively bending it to its will. Arkansas Online, 25 June 2025 As long as your outfit offers enough coverage when moving through the terminal, bending down for luggage, and sitting in a tight airplane seat, a skirt can be a great airport choice. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2025
Noun
Brian Daboll told the Giants’ players before their final minicamp practice that their spring progress was encouraging, given what is coming around the bend. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025 While older games in the series relied heavily on memorizing courses and perpetually driving with precision around every bend, there’s now a lot more ways to play catch up and get ahead. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for bend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bend
Verb
  • Give them a container with room to grow, and the arching stems will eventually reach 18 inches in height.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
  • The national park is characterized by gently rising hills with low-growing vegetation, as well as forested areas where stone bridges arch over small rivers.
    Mike Nolan, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Alaska ranks third, with residents devoting about 14 percent of their monthly income to premiums.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
  • Jelly Roll will be honored with the ACM lifting lives award, which recognizes a country music artist, duo/group or industry member who has devoted themselves to improving lives through music and is committed to serving others.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Oregon has a similar program in place that aims to reduce carbon intensity in fuels by 37 percent by 2035.
    Rambo Talabong, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025
  • Hosted by Centro San Antonio, the event aims to bring the city together in solidarity with families and residents affected by the disaster.
    Robbie Farias, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Instead of straight paths, employ a curving pathway to reveal one part of the garden at a time.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
  • Bad Idea occupies more than 5,000 square feet of space, with 25-foot curving ceilings and tall windows that welcome in the fading light as the sun sets.
    Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Anyone claiming otherwise is distorting the truth to justify and reward discriminatory behavior.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2025
  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen accused China of distorting trade and limiting access for European firms two weeks ahead of a summit between the economic powers.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Greta Lee is attached to executive produce the project.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 1 July 2025
  • To harvest, simply cut the pepper stem cleanly off the plant and leave about 1/2-inch of stem attached to each pepper.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The way this phase accumulates over a looping path is called the Berry curvature, referencing the curved shape that the arrow is secretly traversing.
    Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 6 June 2025
  • When ordinary matter or light rides this curvature, its motion is impacted.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • His main fastball is a two-seamer with huge tailing action to it, and his slider is at least a 55, up to 91 with solid tilt.
    Keith Law, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • Although not specifically marketed as a pet camera, the Eufy E220 is a budget-friendly indoor home security camera packed with typically more high-end features, including remote pan and tilt, sharp 2K video footage, automatic motion tracking, and intelligent motion and sound detection.
    Cierra Cowan July 9, PC Magazine, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bend. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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